hello there folks! i've been lurking here for a while, so i thought i'd finally join the forum. :p

i'm new to photography... i've always been an avid photo-taker, but i've never had the time or money to pursue it more seriously. well, things have changed and in a little over a month i'm quitting my job and buggering off to cuba for a few weeks before going back to school! i'm looking to get my first dslr before then and i'm open and excited to hear any suggestions you may have!

peace and love,

j

Bambi

09-04-2010, 10:38 PM

welcome Jacqueline. Cuba should have lots of inspiration for photography

Matt K.

09-05-2010, 12:38 PM

Welcome to the forum jk; since you've been lurking in the shadows you know us already pretty well. Now it is time to get to know you ... awaiting your posts ...

Iguanasan

09-05-2010, 12:56 PM

Welcome! We've been down this road before in terms of recommendations. Most of them boil down to this. Go to a photography store. Not Futureshop. A real photography store and find someone who can put the various cameras in your hands. Buy what feels comfortable. If you are going to spend a lot of time shooting you need something you can enjoy.

Marko

09-06-2010, 03:23 PM

Welcome to the forum!

IF you already have lenses from film cameras it may pay to get that brand because the lenses you have may well work.

I have experience with both Nikon and Canon and I would recommend any of their entry level cameras to learn on. If you continue to love photography, you'll want to spend cash on the lenses...

Welcome again!

marko

Rinkdaddy

09-06-2010, 08:25 PM

Welcome and enjoy yourself

jacqueline k

09-08-2010, 02:40 PM

thanks! i'm looking at the pentax k-x.... i've seen it (used) at henry's for about $500. i have quite a few pentax lenses at home, which is why i'm considering it over some of the similarly priced canon and nikon models. plus the reviews i've read are all pretty stellar, but i'd still like to hear from someone who has actually shot with this body! presuming it's as good as it's reviews, i'm probably going to pick it up next weekend.